Volta Region must move from tourism potential to tourism prosperity – Minister

Volta Regional Minister James Gunu has urged to move beyond potential and turn the tourism possibilities of Ghana’s Volta Region into tangible prosperity. Speaking at the fourth Volta Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards in Ho, Gunu emphasized that tourism is far more than mere recreation. He painted tourism as a potent engine for growth, job creation, cultural conservation, and sustainable development in the region.

Gunu lauded the Volta region for its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, breathtaking natural landscapes, and diverse attractions. He highlighted Mount Afadja, Wli Waterfalls, Lake Volta, and the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary as prime examples of sites that can lure both local and international tourists.

The minister underscored that the region’s cultural assets, festivals, traditions, music, dance, and cuisine offer distinct tourism experiences that can be capitalized on. He stressed that unlocking the full potential of tourism in the region requires deliberate action, investment in vital infrastructure, community involvement, and sustainable practices.

To make the Volta Region a premier tourism destination in Ghana and West Africa, Gunu advocated for increased investment in roads, transportation, quality accommodations, and improved digital connectivity. He also called for empowering local communities, including women, youth, traditional authorities, artisans, tour guides, and entrepreneurs, to create jobs, curb poverty, and ensure local benefits from tourism.

Sustainability was another key theme, with Gunu advocating for the protection of the region’s natural assets through responsible tourism, environmental conservation, effective waste management, and climate-conscious investments. He also stressed the need for strategic branding, marketing, partnerships, investment promotion, tourism festivals, digital marketing, and storytelling to position the region as a preferred tourism spot.

Gunu stressed that the transformation from potential to reality hinges on collective effort involving government, traditional authorities, investors, development partners, local communities, the private sector, and the media. He expressed confidence in the region’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and human resources, but emphasized the urgent need for commitment, collaboration, and bold action to turn the region into Ghana’s new sustainable tourism frontier.